The overthrow of all your earthly hopes;
For hardly can the forteress long resist
Our cannon-balls' persuasive arguments.
And still, Miss Bradburn, still it lies with you,
By one, one single utterance of your lips
To hush those deadly thunders into silence,
And vouchsafe all the benefits of life
To the defenders of the Alamo.
Elsie.
A word from me? Oh, tell! how I can save them?
Santa Anna.
I am informed, you know a hidden way,
— Yes, yes, you know,—I read it in your eye—
That underground leads to the Alamo.
Elsie.
[Nobly.]
Has Santa Anna's height and grandeur stooped
To low and despicable spionage,
Then I, weak woman as I am, will not
Descend to falsehood—Yes, I know the way.
Santa Anna.
For reasons of the State and Strategy
Man oft is forced to condescend to means
He loathes to employ in private life.
